Action Alert - Parade 98

Peace Movement Aotearoa

From the 'Action ? Vietnam Veterans Parade 98' discussion forum ....

1) letter for peace groups to sign on to if you wish (text below) - this letter will go to the Wellington newspapers towards the end of next week, if your group wishes to sign on to it, please ensure we have your message re this before next Tuesday (26 May).

2) we are in the process of completing the message to the people of Vietnam expressing regret for NZ's participation in the war, this will be available later today or tomorrow in paper form so that you can collect names / signatures in a vsual way; and in email form. Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to be sent paper copies of the message.

Thanks, Edwina.

Parade 98 - Vietnam remembered sign-on letter

We, the undersigned have deep concerns with the nature of the Parade 98 - Vietnam remembered event.

While recognising the suffering of New Zealand veterans of the Vietnam war, we:

• note that the parade organisers have not sought the involvement by the people or government of Vietnam, and believe that this omission seriously brings into question the organisers' commitment to the process of healing and reconciliation;
• are concerned at the level of government and Wellington City Council financial support for the parade in the absence of similar support for groups with opposing views or for preventative educational work which could be undertaken to help prevent further wars;
• deplore the planned display of military equipment during the parade, in particular the fly over of RNZAF aircraft;
• believe that this parade as planned ignores the controversy surrounding the Vietnam war, and the dreadful impact it had on its civilian population, and as such represents neither an accurate nor unbiased picture of New Zealand's experience of the Vietnam war.

Signed :

Action Alerts	PMA's newsletter	What's on where	Peace links	Help PMA grow	How PMA can help you	Petition Forms	Site Map